Gary McCaslin, the Steuben County man accused of stealing campaign signs of Congressman Tom Reed, and the county District Attorney have reached a deal. McCaslin was charged with petit larceny in June for the alleged theft. McCaslin’s attorney now confirms that they have accepted an offer of an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal on that charge. That means the charge will be dismissed so long as the defendant does not engage in additional criminal conduct. Reed’s campaign manager and the victim in the criminal case, Nicholas Weinstein released a statement on behalf of the Congressman saying that they’re pleased with the result and are glad it’s resolved.

Former Assemblyman Indicted on Federal Charges:

A federal grand jury indicted Monday former Assemblyman Joe Errigo on charges of conspiracy and bribery. Errigo is accused of taking more than $10,000 in exchange for introducing a bill that would allow the state to veto local zoning changes. A lobbyist was also indicted Monday. They both face 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if found guilty. Errigo formerly represented residents of northern Steuben County.

$2.3B Budget Revenue Drop in NYS:

New York State is facing a $2.3 billion drop in budget revenues, says the Governor’s Office. Much of the blame is being laid at the feet of President Donald Trump and the tax plan he signed in 2017. The Cuomo Administration attributes much of the loss on the cap on the State and Local Tax Deduction (SALT) which allows individuals in high-tax states to deduct local tax payments on their federal tax plan. In 2018, the maximum SALT deduction was $10,000. Cuomo also pointed to volatility in the market, IRS changes, and a poor fourth quarter as reasons for the decline.

Bath Community Clothes Closet Considering Move:

After 8 months of service to families in need of help clothing their children, the Bath Community Clothes Closet is now considering an expansion of, not just their space, but possibly their services as well. The closet is currently for children sizes 0 to 14 and runs out of the Centenary United Methodist Church. Rev. Eleanor Collinsworth says they have more than enough clothing and that they’re looking to serve even more people. Along with that, they’re considering a move to a bigger space that would also allow them to possibly serve adults as well as children in the future. In order to make that move, they are asking for the public’s help. If you would like to donate or volunteer, you can call the church at (607) 776-3434. The community closet is open the first Wednesday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m., the second Thursday and third Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the fourth Monday from 4 to 7 p.m.

Reservation Deadline for Youth Banquet Feb. 25th:

The deadline for reservations for the Steuben County Youth Bureau Annual Awards Dinner is February 25th. The dinner will be held March 4th from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. at the Bath Country Club. The Youth Service Worker of the Year award will be presented to Amy Shick for her dedication as a family worker at Prattsburgh Central School. Mark Recktenwald, a dedicated guidance counselor and coach at Haverling High School, will receive the board’s “Champion for Youth” award. The cost of the event is $22. Reservations can be made by calling (607) 664-2119.